Printer

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/807,264, filed on Mar. 3, 2020, which claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-045787, filed on Mar. 13, 2019. Each of the above applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, in its entirety, into the present application.

The present invention relates to a printer.

In a printer that does not include a display, an operation state of the printer is generally notified to the outside by using a lamp such as a light emitting diode (LED) (for example, JP2007-015227A).

Meanwhile, WO2008/044270A suggests a technology for extracting a region of interest from an image, selecting a representative color from a color distribution of an image of the extracted region of interest, and causing an LED to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the representative color. According to WO2008/044270A, a feature and an atmosphere of an image can be recognized from the light emission pattern of the LED.

However, even though the technology described in WO2008/044270A is applied to a printer, the operation state of the printer, in particular, printing progress of the printer cannot be recognized by simply recognizing the feature and atmosphere of the image to be printed.

(1) A printer comprises an image acquisition unit that acquires an image to be printed from an external device, a printing unit that prints the image acquired by the image acquisition unit, a representative color detection unit that detects representative colors of regions by dividing the image to be printed by the printing unit into a plurality of regions, a light emitting unit that switches between light emission colors, and a light emission controller that controls light emission of the light emitting unit. The light emission controller emits light while switching between the representative colors of the regions detected by the representative color detection unit in order according to printing progress in a case where the image is printed by the printing unit. (2) In the printer according to (1), the representative color detection unit detects the representative colors of the regions by dividing the image to be printed by the printing unit into the plurality of regions along an up-down direction of the image. (3) In the printer according to (2), the light emission controller divides a time from when the printing is started to when the printing is ended according to an area ratio of the divided regions, and switches between the light emission colors at divided time intervals. (4) In the printer according to any one of (1) to (3), in a case where the image acquisition unit acquires the image to be printed from the external device, the light emission controller causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a preset light emission pattern. (5) In the printer according to (4), the light emission pattern is a light emission pattern for switching between a plurality of light emission colors in order. (6) The printer according to any one of (1) to (3) further comprises a light emission pattern information acquisition unit that acquires information of a light emission pattern from the external device before the image acquisition unit acquires the image to be printed from the external device. In a case where the image acquisition unit acquires the image to be printed from the external device, the light emission controller causes the light emitting unit to emit the light in the light emission pattern acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition unit. (7) In the printer according to (6), in a case where the image to be printed is divided into the plurality of regions, the information of the light emission pattern acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition unit is information of a light emission pattern for emitting the representative colors of the divided regions in order. (8) In the printer according to any one (1) to (7), in a case where the light emitting unit emits light while switching between the light emission colors, the light emission controller causes the light emitting unit to emit light while switching between the light emission colors in a gradation form. (9) In the printer according to any one of (1) to (8), in a case where the representative color emitted by the light emitting unit is an achromatic color, the light emission controller causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a predetermined color. (10) In the printer according to (9), in a case where the representative color emitted by the light emitting unit is the achromatic color, the light emission controller causes the light emitting unit to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern. (11) In the printer according to any one of (1) to (7), in a case where the representative color emitted by the light emitting unit is an achromatic color, the light emission controller causes the light emitting unit not to emit light. (12) In the printer according to any one of (1) to (11), the printing unit prints the image acquired by the image acquisition unit on an instant film. (13) The printer according to any one of (1) to (12) further comprises a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the external device. The image acquisition unit wirelessly acquires the image to be printed from the external device through the wireless communication unit. (14) In the printer according to any one of (1) to (13), the printer is a portable mobile printer. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer capable of recognizing a feature and an atmosphere of an image to be printed and recognizing printing progress.

According to the present invention, it is possible to recognize the feature and atmosphere of the image to be printed, and it is possible to recognize the printing progress.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Printing System

1 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a system that prints an image by using a printer of the present embodiment.

10 12 A printeraccording to the present embodiment is a portable mobile printer, and wirelessly receives an image to be printed from an external device and prints the received image on a medium. As the medium, a sheet film type (also referred to as a mono sheet type) instant filmis used.

100 1 FIG. An external deviceis a computer having a communication function, in particular, a mobile computer such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a laptop personal computer, a personal data assistant (PDA), and a mobile phone.shows an example in which the external device is a smartphone.

10 For example, communication between the printerand the external device is performed in conformity to a short range wireless communication standard such as near-field communication (NFC) standard, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi).

Appearance Configuration of Printer

2 FIG. 3 FIG. 2 FIG. is a front perspective view showing an example of an appearance configuration of the printer according to the present embodiment.is a rear perspective view of the printer shown in.

10 12 10 5 FIG. As described above, the printeris an instant printer (printer that prints on an instant film). The instant filmis loaded into the printerin a state of a film pack (see) in which a plurality of instant films is accommodated in a case.

14 10 14 10 10 1 2 FIGS.and An outer casingof the printerhas a rounded flat rectangular box shape and is configured to be portable by being held with one hand. The outer casingof the printeris configured to be vertically placed (stand upright on a flat place) and horizontally placed (laid on a flat place).show a case where the printeris vertically placed.

10 16 10 16 16 On a front side of the printer, a push-type power buttonis provided at a substantially central position. The printeris powered on and off by a long push of the power button(an operation of continuously pushing the power button for a predetermined time or more). The power buttonalso serves as a light emitting unit, and emits light by causing a light source unit provided therein to emit light. The aforementioned points will be described below.

18 10 12 18 A discharge portis provided at an upper portion of the printer(upper portion when the printer is vertically placed). The printed instant filmis discharged from the discharge port.

20 10 22 20 22 20 20 20 4 FIG. A film pack lidfor opening and closing a film pack loading chamber (see) is provided on a rear side of the printer. An unlock leverthat unlocks the film pack lidis provided. In a case where the unlock leverreleases the lock and the film pack lidis opened, the film pack loading chamber is opened. When the film pack lidis closed after the instant film pack is loaded, the film pack lidis locked by a lock mechanism (not shown), and the film pack is sealed in a light-shielded state.

24 10 10 24 A USB cable connection portion coverthat opens and closes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable connection portion (not shown) is provided on one side of the printer. The printeris charged with a built-in battery through the USB cable connection portion exposed by opening the USB cable connection portion cover.

Configuration of Printing Unit of Printer

4 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a printing unit of the printer. This diagram shows a state in which the printer is horizontally placed.

10 30 32 12 30 34 12 36 12 As shown in this diagram, the printercomprises, as the printing unit, a film pack loading chamber, a film delivery mechanismthat delivers the instant filmfrom the film pack loaded in the film pack loading chamber, a film transport mechanismthat transports the sent instant filmdelivered from the film pack, and a print headthat records an image on the instant filmtherein.

30 40 20 The film pack loading chamberincludes a recess into which a film packis fitted, and is opened and closed by the film pack lid.

5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. 5 7 FIGS.to 12 12 42 is a perspective view of the film pack.is a front view of the instant film, andis a rear view of the instant film. In, a direction indicated by an arrow F is a delivery direction of the instant film. The instant filmis delivered in the direction indicated by the arrow F, and is discharged from the case.

12 12 12 12 a b. The instant filmhas a rectangular card shape. The instant filmis configured such that one surface is an exposure surface (surface on which an image is recorded through exposing)and the other surface is an observation surface (surface on which the recorded image is observed)

7 FIG. 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 c d f a c c d f c d c e d f c g f. As shown in, an exposure region, a pod portion, and a trap portionare provided on the exposure surfaceof the instant film. The exposure regionis a region in which the image is recorded through exposing. The exposure regionis a region in which the instant filmcan be printed. The pod portionand the trap portionare arranged in front and back in the delivery direction F with the exposure regioninterposed therebetween. The pod portionis disposed in front in the delivery direction F with respect to the exposure region. A developing solution podthat contains a developing solution is provided within the pod portion. The trap portionis disposed in the back in the delivery direction F with respect to the exposure region. An absorbentis provided within the trap portion

6 FIG. 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 h b h h c h c i h h c c As shown in, an observation regionis formed on the observation surfaceof the instant film. The observation regionis a region in which the image is displayed. The image is displayed on the observation regionby developing the exposure region. The observation regionis disposed so as to correspond to the exposure region. A frameis provided near the observation region. Accordingly, the image is displayed within the frame. The observation regionis set so as to be slightly narrower (set so as to be one size smaller) than the exposure region. Accordingly, in a case where the image is recorded in the entire region of the exposure region, the image of which the surrounding is trimmed is printed.

12 12 12 12 12 f d f d The instant filmis viewed in an orientation in which the trap portionis at the top and the pod portionis at the bottom. Accordingly, the image is printed in an orientation in which the trap portionis at the top and the pod portionis at the bottom.

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 34 12 d c d d c f. The instant filmis developed by spreading the developing solution of the pod portionto the exposure regionafter exposing. The developing solution of the pod portionis squeezed out of the pod portion, and is spread to the exposure regionby causing the instant filmto pass between a spreading roller pairB. The developing solution remaining at the time of spreading is captured in the trap portion

42 42 42 42 42 12 12 42 42 12 42 42 42 42 32 42 12 42 42 42 a b a a d b c a c b b. The casehas a rectangular box shape. The casehas a rectangular exposure openingformed in a front portion. The casehas a slit-like film discharge porton the top surface portion. The instant filmsare accommodated so as to be stacked such that the exposure surfacefaces a front surface (exposure opening) of the caseand the pod portionfaces a top surface (film discharge port) of the case. The casehas a slit-like claw opening portionformed in a bottom portion. A clawenters through the claw opening portion, and thus, the instant filmsaccommodated in the caseare delivered toward the film discharge portone by one and are discharged through the film discharge port

12 40 A plurality (for example, ten) of instant filmsis accommodated so as to be stacked in one film pack.

32 12 40 30 32 32 12 32 12 32 12 40 a a The film delivery mechanismdelivers the instant filmsone by one from the film packloaded in the film pack loading chamber. The film delivery mechanismcomprises the clawthat moves back and forth along the delivery direction of the instant film. The film delivery mechanismscrapes the instant filmswithin the case one by one by the claw, and delivers the instant filmfrom the film pack.

34 12 40 32 34 34 34 34 12 34 12 12 34 12 d The film transport mechanismtransports the instant filmdelivered from the film packby the film delivery mechanismat a constant speed. The film transport mechanismcomprises a transport roller pairA and the spreading roller pairB. The transport roller pairA is rotated by being driven by a motor (not shown), and transports the instant filmwhile holding both sides of the instant film. The spreading roller pairB is rotated by being driven by a motor (not shown), and transports the instant filmwhile holding the entire instant film. The pod portionis crushed while the instant film is transported by the spreading roller pairB, and the instant filmis developed.

36 12 40 36 36 12 12 34 12 a The print headrecords the image on the instant filmdelivered from the film pack. The print headis a line-type exposure head. The print headirradiates the exposure surfaceof the instant filmtransported by the film transport mechanismwith print light line by line, and records the image on the instant filmin a single pass.

Electrical Configuration of Printer

8 FIG. is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printer.

10 50 16 52 16 54 52 56 56 58 60 58 58 62 64 62 66 10 68 32 70 34 72 36 80 As shown in this diagram, the printercomprises an operation detection unitthat detects an operation of the power button, a light source unitthat emits light from the power button, a light source controllerthat controls the light emission of the light source unit, a wireless communication unitthat wirelessly communicates with an external device via an antennaA, a power supply unit, a power supply controllerthat controls power supply from the power supply unitand charging of the power supply unit, a printer built-in memory, a memory controllerthat reads and writes data in the printer built-in memory, a movement detection unitthat detects the movement of the printer, a film delivery mechanism drive unitthat drives the film delivery mechanism, a film transport mechanism drive unitthat drives the film transport mechanism, a print head drive unitthat drives the print head, and a printer microcomputer.

50 16 16 10 16 50 16 10 80 The operation detection unitdetects the operation of the power button. The power buttonis a push button, and the printeris powered on and off by long push. While the power button is powered on, a function for inputting a reprint command is assigned to the power button. The reprinting is a function for reprinting the last printed image. The operation detection unitdetects a short push (operation of pushing and then releasing immediately) of the power buttonwhile the printeris powered on, and outputs a detection signal to the printer microcomputer.

52 10 52 The light source unitis configured to switch light emission colors. In the printerof the present embodiment, the light source unitis a three-color LED (also referred to as a full-color LED) comprising three color elements of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). The light emission colors of the three-color LED are switched by selecting a mixing ratio of three colors of R, G, and B. Since this main light source is known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

52 16 16 52 4 FIG. The light source unitis disposed inside the power button(see). The power buttonis entirely or partially transparent (or translucent), and in a case where the light source unitemits light, light is transmitted through the transparent portion (or translucent portion) and is emitted.

54 52 80 The light source controllercauses the light source unitto emit light with a predetermined light emission color and light emission pattern according to a command from the printer microcomputer.

56 56 80 The wireless communication unitwirelessly communicates with an external device through the antennaA under the control using the printer microcomputer. As described above, the communication with the external device is performed in conformity to the short range wireless communication standard.

58 10 The power supply unitincludes a battery and a power supply circuit, and supplies a power to each unit of the printer. The battery is a rechargeable secondary battery, and is charged by receiving a power from the outside.

60 58 58 80 The power supply controllercontrols the supply of the power from the power supply unitto each unit and the charging of the battery of the power supply unitunder the control of the printer microcomputer.

62 10 10 62 The printer built-in memoryconstitutes a storage unit of the printer, and stores printed image data and setting data of the printer. The printer built-in memoryis, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

64 62 80 The memory controllerreads and writes data from and in the printer built-in memoryin response to a command from the printer microcomputer.

66 10 66 66 10 10 The movement detection unitdetects the movement of the printer. The movement detection unitis, for example, a motion sensor. Since the motion sensor itself is well-known, the detailed description is omitted. In general, the motion sensor is configured by combining an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor. The movement detection unitdetects the posture of the printer(vertical placement, horizontal placement, tilt, etc.) and movement of the printer(lifting, placing down, turning over, etc.).

68 32 32 32 80 a The film delivery mechanism drive unitincludes a motor that drives the clawof the film delivery mechanismand a drive circuit thereof, and drives the film delivery mechanismaccording to a command from the printer microcomputer.

70 34 34 34 34 80 The film transport mechanism drive unitincludes a motor that drives the transport roller pairA of the film transport mechanismand a drive circuit thereof, and a motor that drives the spreading roller pairB and a drive circuit thereof, and drives the film transport mechanismaccording to a command from the printer microcomputer.

72 36 36 80 The print head drive unitincludes a drive circuit of the print head, and drives the print headaccording to a command from the printer microcomputer.

80 10 80 The printer microcomputeris a controller that performs overall control of the operation of the printer. The printer microcomputeris a microcomputer that comprises a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM), and realizes various functions by executing predetermined control programs.

9 FIG. is a block diagram of main functions realized by the printer microcomputer.

80 80 80 80 80 80 The printer microcomputermainly functions as an image acquisition unitA, a print data generation unitB, a print controllerC, a representative color detection unitD, and a light emission controllerE.

80 100 56 100 62 The image acquisition unitA wirelessly communicates with the external devicevia the wireless communication unit, and acquires image data of an image to be printed from the external device. In the case of reprinting, the image data of the last printed image is read out from the printer built-in memoryand is acquired.

80 80 12 36 The print data generation unitB converts the image data acquired by the image acquisition unitA into a data format printable by the printing unit (data format printable on the instant filmby the print head), and generates data for printing (print data).

80 12 32 68 12 34 70 36 72 36 12 80 The print controllerC controls the delivery of the instant filmby the film delivery mechanismvia the film delivery mechanism drive unit. The transport of the instant filmby the film transport mechanismis controlled via the film transport mechanism drive unit. The driving of the print headis controlled via the print head drive unit. The driving of the print headis controlled in synchronization with the transport of the instant filmbased on the print data generated by the print data generation unitB.

80 80 80 52 The representative color detection unitD divides the image to be printed into a plurality of regions along an up-down direction of the image, analyzes an image of each divided region, and detects a representative color. The representative color is a color used centrally in the corresponding region. For example, the representative color detection unitD obtains a color distribution of the image of each region, and detects the color occupying the widest area as the representative color of the region. At this time, the representative color detection unitD detects the representative color of each region within a color gamut range reproducible in the light source unit.

10 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of the division of the image.

10 1 2 3 1 2 3 As shown in this diagram, in the printerof the present embodiment, an image IM is divided into three equal regions along the up-down direction (upper region A, intermediate region A, and lower region A), and the representative colors of the regions A, A, Aare detected. The up-down direction of the image mentioned herein is the up-down direction (vertical direction) at the time of observing the image.

10 FIG. 1 2 In the example of the image IM shown in, the representative color of the upper region Ais light blue, the representative color of the intermediate region Ais green, and the representative color of the lower region is yellow-green.

80 52 54 16 80 16 16 100 The light emission controllerE controls the light emission of the light source unitvia the light source controller, and causes the power buttonwhich is the light emitting unit to emit light in a predetermined color and pattern. The light emission controllerE causes the power buttonto emit light at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the power buttonemits light in a case where the image to be printed from the external deviceis received and the image is printed.

100 In a case where the image to be printed is received from the external device, a plurality of predetermined colors is emitted while being switched in order at regular time intervals. For example, seven colors (so-called rainbow colors) of red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue, and purple are emitted while being switched in order at regular time intervals.

1 2 3 80 1 2 3 10 FIG. Meanwhile, in a case where the image is printed, the representative colors of the regions A, A, and Adetected by the representative color detection unitD are emitted while being switching in order according to the printing progress. In the present embodiment, the colors are emitted by switching colors in order at time intervals (T/3[s]) in which a time (T[s]) from when the printing is started to when the printing is ended is divided into three equal intervals. The representative color of the upper region A, the representative color of the intermediate region A, and the representative color of the lower region Aare emitted in order. Accordingly, in the case of the image IM shown in, light blue, green, and yellow-green are emitted in order. In a case where the representative color is an achromatic color such as black or gray, light is not emitted. That is, the light emitting unit does not emit light at the timing of the corresponding region (turned off).

10 12 12 34 12 18 34 In the printerof the present embodiment, the time from when the printing is started to when the printing is ended is a time from when the delivery of the instant filmis started to when the discharge of the instant film is completed. The discharge is completed in a case where a rear end of the instant filmpasses through the transport roller pairA. In this state, the instant filmis held in a state where the instant film is delivered from the discharge portby a predetermined amount (the instant film is held in a state where the rear end portion is held by the spreading roller pairB). The time from the start of printing to the end of printing is constant regardless of the image and is a known value.

External Device

100 As stated above, the external deviceis a computer having a communication function, particularly, a mobile computer such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a laptop personal computer, PDA, or a mobile phone.

11 FIG. 100 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the external device. This diagram shows an example in a case where the external deviceis a smartphone.

100 101 102 103 101 104 105 106 107 100 108 109 110 111 111 112 10 112 113 114 115 104 104 108 101 As shown in this diagram, the external device (smartphone)comprises a CPUthat controls the entire operation, a ROMthat stores a basic input and output program, a RAMthat is used as a work area of the CPU, a built-in memory, a display, a touch padthat detects a touch operation (position input) for a display screen, a Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receiving unitthat receives a GPS signal including positional information (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the external deviceby a GPS satellite or an Indoor MEssaging System (IMES) as an indoor GPS, a camera unitthat includes an imaging lens and an image sensor and electronically images an image, a microphone unitthat includes a microphone and inputs voice, a speaker unitthat includes a speaker and outputs voice, a communication unitthat wirelessly communicates with a nearest base station by using an antennaA, a short range wireless communication unitthat communicates with another device (for example, the printer) by using an antennaA through short range wireless, a sensor unitthat includes various sensors such as a geomagnetic sensor, a gyrocompass, and an acceleration sensor, and a media drivethat reads and writes data in and from a memory card. The built-in memoryis a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. The built-in memorystores various data such as image data of an image captured by the camera unitand image data acquired from other devices in addition to various programs including an operating system executed by the CPU.

100 10 108 10 104 10 The external devicehas a function of causing the printerto print the image captured by the camera unitand a function of causing the printerto print the image recorded in the built-in memoryin the relationship with the printer. As a function related to these functions, the external device has a function of editing an image to be printed.

12 FIG. is a block diagram of main functions of the external device in the relationship with the printer.

100 100 100 100 10 As shown in this diagram, the external devicehas functions of a print image acquisition unitA that acquires an image to be printed, a print image processing unitB that processes and edits an image to be printed, and a print image transmission unitC that transmits an image to be printed to the printer.

100 104 108 106 104 104 100 105 The print image acquisition unitA acquires a print image by imaging or from the built-in memory. In a case where the print image is acquired by imaging, the external device controls the camera unitbased on an operation input (an operation input for the touch padas an operation unit) from a user, and acquires the image to be printed by imaging. In a case where the print image is acquired from the built-in memory, the image stored in the built-in memoryis read out and acquired. For example, the external device causes the user to select a folder of a storage destination of the image, reproduce and display the image stored in the folder on the display, and select the image to be printed. The image acquired by the print image acquisition unitA is displayed on the display.

100 105 106 The print image processing unitB processes and edits the image to be printed (the image displayed on the displayas the image to be printed) based on the operation input (the operation input for the touch padas the operation unit) from the user. For example, the print image processing unit performs the image processing such as image trimming, enlargement, rotation, template combination, image correction (noise removal, sharpness, color tone, and brightness).

100 10 106 10 112 The print image transmission unitC transmits the image to be printed to the printerbased on the operation input (the operation input for the touch padas the operation unit) from the user. The image is transmitted to the printervia the short range wireless communication unit.

105 For example, a print transmission command (print command) is issued by an operation of swiping a screen of the displayon which the image to be printed is displayed in a specified direction (for example, a direction from a bottom to a top of the screen). Alternatively, the print transmission command is issued by touching a print button displayed on the screen.

100 10 10 In the printing system of the present embodiment, the image to be printed is captured or selected by the external device, the captured or selected image is wirelessly transmitted to the printer, and the image is printed on the printer.

13 FIG. is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the external device.

10 11 10 10 12 10 13 10 First, the printeris detected (step S). That is, whether or not there is the printerconnectable by short range wireless communication is detected. It is determined whether or not the printeris detected (step S). In a case where the printeris not detected, an error message is displayed (step S). For example, an error message such as “there is no connectable printer” is displayed. Meanwhile, in a case where a connectable printeris detected, processing for establishing connection is performed.

14 104 In a case where the connection is established, a print mode is determined (step S). That is, it is determined whether to perform the printing in a mode (imaging print) in which the image is captured and is printed or a mode (reproduction print) in which the image recorded in the built-in memoryis selected and printed. The mode is selected on a menu screen.

15 16 105 In a case where the imaging print mode is selected, imaging processing of the image to be printed is performed (step S). Meanwhile, in a case where the reproduction print mode is selected, the image to be printed is selected (step S). Accordingly, the image to be printed is acquired. The acquired image is displayed, as the image to be printed, on the display.

106 17 18 Next, whether or not the editing of the image is necessary is determined based on the operation input (the operation input for the touch padas the operation unit) from the user (step S). Whether or not the editing of the image is necessary is determined by whether or not an image editing operation is performed. In a case where the image editing operation is performed, image editing processing is performed according to the operation input (step S).

19 20 10 21 It is determined whether or not the print command is issued based on the operation input from the user (step S). Here, in a case where the print command is not issued, it is determined whether or not a print cancel command is issued (step S). In a case where the pint cancel command is issued, the processing is ended. Meanwhile, in a case where the print command is issued, the image is transferred to the printer(step S).

14 FIG. 100 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the printer. It is assumed that the connection with the external deviceis established.

31 32 16 33 10 34 35 First, it is determined whether or not the print command is issued (step S). In a case where the print command is issued, it is determined whether or not the reception of the image is started (step S). In a case where the reception of the image is started, the power buttonemits light in a predetermined pattern (step S). In the printerof the present embodiment, seven colors (so-called rainbow colors) of red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, blue, and purple are emitted while being sequentially switched at regular time intervals. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the reception of the image is completed (step S). In a case where the reception of the image is completed, the light emission is stopped (step S).

36 37 Subsequently, the print data is generated from the received image data (step S). The received image data is analyzed, and the representative colors of the upper, intermediate, and lower regions are detected (step S). That is, the image is divided into three equal regions into an upper stage, an intermediate stage, and a lower stage along the up-down direction, and the representative color of each divided region is detected.

16 38 10 Subsequently, the light emission pattern of the power buttonduring printing is set based on the detected representative color of each region (step S). In the printerof the present embodiment, the light emission pattern is set such that the representative color of the upper region, the representative color of the intermediate region, and the representative color of the lower region are emitted while being switched in order at time intervals obtained by dividing the time T (known) from when the printing is started to when the printing is ended into three equal intervals.

39 16 40 16 16 Subsequently, the print processing is performed (step S). The power buttonemits light with the start of the print processing (step S). The power buttonemits light with the set light emission pattern. That is, the representative color of the upper region, the representative color of the intermediate region, and the representative color of the lower region are emitted in order at the time of equally dividing the image to be printed into three equal regions. The light emission colors are emitted while being switched at time intervals obtained by dividing the time T from when the printing is started to when the printing is ended into three equal intervals. The user can recognize the feature and atmosphere of the image to be printed by visually recognizing the light emission of the power button. The printing progress state can be recognized by visually recognizing the switching of the light emission.

10 16 10 16 16 12 16 10 16 As described above, according to the printerof the present embodiment, the power buttonincludes the light emitting unit, and emits light in a predetermined aspect during reception and printing of the image to be printed. Accordingly, it is possible to grasp the operation state of the printerfrom the light emission state of the power button. Since the representative colors of the respective regions obtained by dividing the image into three equal regions are emitted in order during the printing, it is possible to recognize the feature and atmosphere of the image to be printed from the light emission state of the power button. This is particularly effective in the instant filmon which the image cannot be immediately confirmed even though the printing is completed. Since the representative colors of the respective regions are switched in order according to the printing progress during the printing, it is possible to recognize the printing progress state from the light emission state of the power button. The interest of the user can be directed to the printerby causing the power buttonto emit light during the printing. The user can enjoy the printing. In a case where the representative color is detected, it is possible to simplify detection processing by detecting a representative color of a predetermined region (each region obtained by dividing the image into three equal regions in the up-down direction in the present embodiment).

Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the image to be printed is divided into three equal regions (upper, intermediate, and lower stages) in the up-down direction, and the representative color of each region is detected, the detection aspect of the representative color is not limited thereto. The representative color of each region obtained by dividing the image in narrower regions may be detected.

A division ratio (area ratio) of the regions is not necessarily equal. That is, it is not necessary to equally divide the image. The image may be divided at a predetermined ratio. For example, in a case where the image is divided into three in the up-down direction, the image may be divided that the division ratio (area ratio) of the upper region, the intermediate region, and the lower region is 1:2:1. In this case, it is preferable that the switching of the light emission is performed according to the division ratio (area ratio) of the regions. That is, for example, in a case where the image is divided into three in the up-down direction and the division ratio (area ratio) of the upper region, intermediate region, and lower region is 1:2:1, the time from when the printing is started to when the printing is ended is divided at a ratio of 1:2:1, and the representative colors of the regions are emitted while being switched in order.

The division aspect is not limited to the up-down direction, and the division may be performed into a matrix. In this case, for example, the representative colors detected in the regions are emitted in order by using an upper left region of the image as a start point and a lower right region as an end point. For example, in a case where the image is divided into four in a matrix, the representative colors of the regions are emitted in order of an upper left region, an upper right region, a lower left region, and a lower right region of the image. That is, the light emission order is set so as to scan from the upper left region to the lower right region of the image.

The image may be divided into a plurality of regions concentrically around the center of the image. However, in a case where the image is divided in the up-down direction, since the light emission colors are switched in order along the up-down direction of the image, it is possible to easily grasp the feature and atmosphere of the image compared to other division aspects.

The division of the image needs not cover all the regions of the image as targets. Only a region of a part of the image may be divided as a target. The region from which the representative color is detected may be determined in advance.

For example, in a case where the image to be printed is a combination image, the representative color may be detected for each region of the combined image, and the representative colors may be emitted in order. Here, the combination image mentioned herein includes an image (division image (including a collage image)) obtained by dividing the screen into a plurality of regions and applying images to the divided regions.

15 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of the combination image.

1 2 3 4 This diagram shows an example in which the screen is divided into four equal regions in a matrix. In this case, a division image CI includes four images. Specifically, the image includes a first image CIin an upper left region of the screen, a second image CIin an upper right region of the screen, a third image CIin a lower left region of the screen, and a fourth image CIin a lower right region of the screen.

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 The representative color is detected for each area of each image. That is, the representative colors are detected in the region of the first image CI, the region of the second image CI, the region of the third image CI, and the region of the fourth image CI. Therefore, in this case, the color used centrally in each image is detected as the representative color of each region. That is, the color centrally used in the first image CI, the color centrally used in the second image CI, the color centrally used in the third image CI, and the color centrally used in the fourth image CIare detected as the representative colors of the regions.

1 2 3 4 The light emission pattern is set such that the representative color of the region of the first image CI, the representative color of the region of the second image CI, the representative color of the region of the third image CI, and the representative color of the region of the fourth image CIare emitted in order (the light emission order is set so as to scan from the upper left region of the screen toward the lower right region).

Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the method of obtaining the color distribution of the image of the regions and detecting, as the representative color of the region, the color occupying the largest area is used as the method of detecting the representative color of each region, the method for detecting the representative color is not limited thereto. Other known methods can be employed.

Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the representative colors detected from the regions of the image are emitted while being switched in order during the printing, the representative colors may be turned on and off. The printing progress state can be grasped in more detail by turning on and off the representative colors. That is, a time until the printing is completed can be grasped by counting the number of times the representative colors are turned on and off.

10 In a case where the light emission colors are switched, the emission colors may be switched in a gradation form. Accordingly, for example, even though the same color is detected as the representative color in two consecutive regions, it is possible to recognize the switching of the region from the light emission state. The interest of the user can be more directed to the printerby switching between the light emission colors in a gradation form. The user can enjoy the printing.

16 Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that in a case where the representative color of the region is an achromatic color such as black and gray, the light emitting unit (power button) does not emit light at a timing when light is emitted in the region, the light emission aspect in a case where the representative color is the achromatic color is not limited thereto. For example, light may be emitted in a predetermined color. Alternatively, a predetermined color may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern. For example, white may be turned on and off, or the emission color may be changed to a rainbow color. In a case where a light emitting unit which can emit light at only an outline portion (peripheral edge portion) is employed as the light emitting unit, light may be emitted at only the outline portion in a predetermined color and/or in a predetermined light emission pattern.

100 Similarly to a case where the printing is performed, even though the image to be printed is received, light may be emitted in the representative color of the image. In this case, the external devicehas a function of detecting the representative color.

16 FIG. is a functional block diagram of the external device having a representative color detection function.

100 100 10 100 100 10 As shown in this diagram, the external devicefurther has functions of a print image representative color detection unitD that detects a representative color of each region from the image to be printed by the printer, and a light emission pattern information transmission unitE that sets a light emission pattern based on the representative color of each region detected by the print image representative color detection unitD and transmits the set light emission pattern to the printer.

100 10 The print image representative color detection unitD divides the image to be printed by the printerinto the plurality of regions along the up-down direction of the image, and detects the representative color of each of the divided regions. In the present example, the image is divided into three equal regions in the up-down direction, and the representative color of each region is detected.

100 100 Information on the representative color of each region detected by the print image representative color detection unitD is added to the light emission pattern information transmission unitE.

100 16 10 100 10 100 10 100 The light emission pattern information transmission unitE sets the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit (power button) in a case where the printerreceives the image based on the information of the representative color of each region detected by the print image representative color detection unitD. In the present example, the light emission pattern is set such that the representative color of the upper region, the representative color of the intermediate region, and the representative color of the lower region are emitted in this order. The information of the set light emission pattern is transmitted to the printer. At this time, the light emission pattern information transmission unitE transmits the information of the light emission pattern to the printerbefore the print image transmission unitC transmits the print image.

10 100 16 In a case where the printerreceives the image to be printed from the external device, the printer causes the light emitting unit (power button) to emit light according to the information of the light emission pattern received in advance.

17 FIG. is a block diagram of functions of the printer in a case where the light emitting unit emits light according to the information of the light emission pattern received from the external device.

10 80 100 80 100 56 80 80 As shown in this diagram, the printerfurther has a function of a light emission pattern information acquisition unitF that acquires the information of the light emission pattern from the external device. The light emission pattern information acquisition unitF acquires the information of the light emission pattern transmitted from the external devicevia the wireless communication unit. The function of the light emission pattern information acquisition unitF is realized by the printer microcomputer.

80 80 80 100 16 80 The light emission pattern information acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition unitF is added to the light emission controllerE. In a case where the light emission controllerE receives the image to be printed from the external device, the light emission controller causes the light emitting unit (power button) to emit light according to the information of the light emission pattern acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition unitF.

10 As described above, even in a case where the image to be printed is received, the light emitting unit emits light based on the image, and thus, the feature and atmosphere of the image to be printed can be recognized from the light emission state of the light emitting unit. The interest of the user can be directed to the printer. The user can enjoy the printing.

100 10 80 16 80 In a case where the information of the representative color (the information of the light emission pattern) of the image to be printed can be acquired from the external deviceas in the present example, the printerdoes not need to perform the detection processing of the representative color. In a case where the printing is performed, the light emission controllerE causes the light emitting unit (power button) to emit light based on the information of the light emission pattern acquired by the light emission pattern information acquisition unitF.

The light emission pattern may be changed depending on whether the image is received or printed. For example, it is possible to change the light emission pattern between the case where the image is received and the case where the image is printed by changing the detection pattern of the representative color between the case where the image is received and the case where the image is printed. For example, in the case where the image is received, the image to be printed is divided into five equal regions in the up-down direction, the representative color of each region is detected, and the light emission pattern is set. Meanwhile, in the case where the image is printed, the image to be printed is divided into three equal regions in the up-down direction, the representative color of each region is detected, and the light emission pattern is set.

A time required for reception is shorter than a time required for printing. Therefore, the light emission pattern in the case where the image is received may be an aspect in which the light emission colors are repeatedly switched at regular time intervals during the reception. Meanwhile, in a case where a time is required for reception, it is preferable that the light emission colors are switched in order according to reception progress. Accordingly, a time until the reception is ended can be grasped from the light emission state of the light emitting unit.

12 100 100 100 100 Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the light emitting unit emits light in the case where the image to be printed is received and the case where the image is printed, the timing when the light emitting unit emits light is not limited thereto. For example, in a case where the printer is powered on and the case where the printer is powered off, the light may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern (for example, the light emission pattern for changing the color to the rainbow color). For example, in a case where a remaining battery amount is less than a threshold value, light may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern (for example, red is turned on and off). For example, in a case where the remaining number of instant filmsruns out or in a case where the remaining number is equal to or less than a predetermined number, light may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern. Light may be emitted according to the operation of the external device. For example, in a case where the external deviceimages the print image, the external device may emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern. For example, in a case where the print image is edited in the external device, light may be emitted according to the editing operation content. In a case where the communication with the external deviceis established, light may be emitted in a predetermined light emission pattern.

16 Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the power buttonemits light, a portion that emits light is not limited thereto.

The light emitting unit may be provided at multiple locations. In the case where the plurality of light emitting units is provided, the light emitting units may emit light in order. For example, in a case where the representative color is detected by dividing the image into three regions, the light emitting units may be provided at three locations, and may emit light in order.

Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the three-color LED is used as the light source of the light emitting unit, the type of the light source is not limited thereto. Any light source capable of switching between the light emission colors may be used. For example, an electroluminescent (EL) source (EL light source) such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) capable of emitting color light may be employed. From the viewpoint of power consumption, it is preferable that a semiconductor light source is used.

The light source is not limited to a spot light source, and a planar light source can also be used. In this case, a light source capable of changing color in the plane can also be used. Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the light emitting unit emits light of a reprehensive color of regions being printed by the printing unit, a color of light emitted by the light emitting unit is not limited thereto. For example, a color of light emitted by the light emitting unit may be determined based on reprehensive colors of regions being printed by the printing unit. A color of light emitted by the light emitting unit may also be determined based on reprehensive colors of regions being printed by the printing unit and a table in which a correspondence between representative colors and colors to be emitted by the light emitting unit, or a correspondence between a pattern of representative colors and pattern of colors to be emitted by the light emitting unit is stored in advance.

Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the printer and the external device wirelessly communicate with each other, the communication may be performed in a wired manner. In a case where the communication is performed in a wireless manner, the communication method is not particularly limited, and a known communication method can be employed.

Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the present invention is applied to the instant printer, the application of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can be applied to various types of printers such as a thermal printer that prints on thermo-sensitive paper, a thermal transfer printer that prints using an ink ribbon, and an inkjet printer that prints using an inkjet method.

Although it has been described in the aforementioned embodiment that the present invention is applied to the mobile printer, the application of the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can also be applied to a so-called stationary printer. In general, since the mobile printer is often used near the user (in an approximately reachable range), the present invention is particularly effective in a case where the present invention is applied to the mobile printer.

80 80 80 80 80 Hardware that realizes the functions of the image acquisition unitA, the print data generation unitB, the print controllerC, the representative color detection unitD, and the light emission controllerE can be constituted by various processors. Various processors include a central processing unit (CPU) which is a general-purpose processor functioning as various processing units by executing a program, a programmable logic device (PLD) which is a processor capable of changing a circuit configuration after a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is manufactured, and a dedicated electric circuit which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed as a dedicated circuit in order to perform specific processing such as application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). One processing unit constituting an inspection support apparatus may be constituted by one of the various processors described above, or may be constituted by two or more processors of the same type or different types. For example, one processing unit may be constituted by a plurality of FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA. Alternatively, the plurality of processing units may be constituted by one processor. Firstly, as the example in which the plurality of processing units is constituted by one processor, there is a form in which one processor is constituted by a combination of one or more CPUs and software and this processor functions as the plurality of processing units as represented by computers such as a client and a server. Second, a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system including the plurality of processing units by using one integrated circuit (IC) chip is used so as to be represented by a System On Chip (SoC). As stated above, various processing units are constituted as hardware structure by using one or more of various processors. More specifically, hardware structures of the various processors are electric circuitry obtained by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

The external device is not particularly limited, and can be a digital camera. The external device can also be a desktop personal computer.

10 : printer 12 : instant film 12 a : exposure surface 12 b : observation surface 12 c : exposure region 12 d : pod portion 12 e : developing solution pod 12 f : trap portion 12 g : absorbent 12 h : observation region 12 i : frame 14 : outer casing 16 : power button 18 : discharge port 20 : film pack lid 22 : unlock lever 24 : USB cable connection portion cover 30 : film pack loading chamber 32 : film delivery mechanism 32 a : claw 34 : film transport mechanism 34 A: transport roller pair 34 B: spreading roller pair 36 : print head 40 : film pack 42 : case 42 a : exposure opening 42 b : film discharge port 42 c : claw opening portion 50 : operation detection unit 52 : light source unit 54 : light source controller 56 : wireless communication unit 56 A: antenna 58 : power supply unit 60 : power supply controller 62 : printer built-in memory 64 : memory controller 66 : movement detection unit 68 : film delivery mechanism drive unit 70 : film transport mechanism drive unit 72 : print head drive unit 80 : printer microcomputer 80 A: image acquisition unit 80 B: print data generation unit 80 C: print controller 80 D: representative color detection unit 80 E: light emission controller 80 F: light emission pattern information acquisition unit 100 : external device 100 A: print image acquisition unit 100 B: print image processing unit 100 C: print image transmission unit 100 D: print image representative color detection unit 100 E: light emission pattern information transmission unit 101 : CPU 102 : ROM 103 : RAM 104 : built-in memory 105 : display 106 : touch pad 107 : GPS receiving unit 108 : camera unit 109 : microphone unit 110 : speaker unit 111 : communication unit 111 A: antenna 112 : short range wireless communication unit 112 A: antenna 113 : sensor unit 114 : media drive 115 : memory card 1 A: upper region of image 2 A: intermediate region of image 3 A: lower region of image CI: division image 1 CI: first image constituting division image 2 CI: second image constituting division image 3 CI: third image constituting division image 4 CI: fourth image constituting division image F: delivery direction of instant film IM: image 11 21 S-S: processing procedure in external device in case image is printed 31 40 Sto S: processing procedure in printer in case image is printed